Palmetto man accused of raping 4-year-old

22-year-old attacked a child twice, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

STAFF REPORT

A Palmetto man has been charged with sexual battery of a 4-year-old.

Calvin Smith, 22, is charged with capital sexual battery for two instances in which he allegedly raped the victim, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

An investigation was started this week when someone noticed blood on toilet paper at the victim's home. The child was taken to the hospital and spoke with law enforcement.

Smith took the child to the store about noon Monday, then parked his car in the woods where he allegedly abused the victim, his arrest report states. Smith was arrested Tuesday.

During his interview, Smith told detectives he also raped the child a month earlier near a railroad track, the report continues. Smith took deputies to the alleged crime scene, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Anyone with information can call the Sheriff's Office at 747-3011, Ext. 1905 or Crime Stoppers at (866) 634-8477.